Biomarkers reveal dietary flexibility in northern bottlenose whales, Hyperoodon ampullatus, with implications for fisheries and resource management
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Beaked whales, including northern bottlenose whales ( Hyperoodon ampullatus ), are widely considered deep-diving squid specialists. In Canada, where northern bottlenose whales are of conservation concern following historical depletion, resolving diet composition is critical for understanding differences in population recovery and evaluating risks from overlap with regional fisheries. Here, we analyse stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N; Bayesian mixing models) from skin ( n = 141 samples) and fatty acids from blubber (quantitative fatty acid signature analysis, QFASA; n = 91 samples) from northern bottlenose whales, alongside a large library of potential prey (19 species) collected across the western North Atlantic (42–74 °N). Stable isotope data suggested that females in both Arctic and Scotian Shelf populations exhibited broader ecological niches than males. However, diet composition differed between regions, mirroring known genetic structure. In Arctic whales, squids’ contribution was low, while diets were predominantly fish-based, with contributions from grenadiers (family Macrouridae ), redfish ( Sebastes spp.), and Greenland halibut ( Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ). Scotian Shelf whales consumed both demersal fish (redfish) and squid ( Gonatus fabricii ). Both biomarkers indicate substantial reliance on demersal fish, consistent with flexible foraging strategies and suggesting a broader diet than the obligate squid specialist view. These findings underscore the need to consider diverse prey fields and potential fisheries interactions in conservation and recovery efforts. • Biomarkers show regional and seasonal variation in northern bottlenose whale diet • Demersal fishes, including grenadiers, redfish, and Greenland halibut, are key prey • Results indicate a broader diet composition than an obligate squid specialist model • Dietary flexibility highlights the potential for overlap with regional fisheries
Source: Global Ecology and Conservation
Authors: Genyffer C. Troina, Laura J. Feyrer, Anais Remili, Jean-Pierre Desforges, Heather E. Braid, Ambar Maldonado-Rodriguez, Tera Edkins, Sascha K. Hooker, Suzanne M. Budge, Cortney Watt, Alexey V. Golikov, Strahan Tucker, Kyle J. Lefort, Luke Storrie, David Gaspard, Nigel E. Hussey, Melissa McKinney, Hal Whitehead, Steven H. Ferguson
Institutions: University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, University of Manitoba, Simon Fraser University, The University of Winnipeg, Auckland University of Technology, McGill University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, University of St Andrews, Universität Hamburg, Senckenberg am Meer, University of Victoria, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, University of Windsor
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,980
Funders: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, Molson Foundation, Canada Research Coordinating Committee, Government of Nunavut, Government of Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Kenneth M. Molson Foundation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Award: G4474350063
OpenAlex ID: W7160666234